Abstract
Compare the effects of low, medium, and high frequency Du meridian acupuncture on
the motor function of rats with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Methods: Using the random number table
method, 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group; model group; and low, medium,
and high frequency electroacupuncture groups (G1, G2, and G3 groups). The iSCI model of the rat T11 segment
was made with the NYU spinal cord impact injury device for all groups aside from the sham operation group
(which only underwent a total lamina resection). The G1, G2, and G3 groups were treated with low (2 Hz, 2 mA),
medium (50 Hz, 2 mA), and high frequency (100 Hz, 2 mA) electroacupuncture at the Dazhui and Mingmen
points for 30 minutes once a day for a total of 2 weeks. We observed the behaviors of pain hypersensitivity in rats
in each group and used the von Frey hair method to measure pain threshold. We recorded the biceps femoris (BF)
and rectus femoris (RF) myoelectric integral value (IEMG), BF-TEMG and RF-TEMG, respectively. The slide
method and tail-docking method were used to observe clotting time (CT) and bleeding time (BT). The coagulation factor test was conducted to detect thrombin and endogenous/exogenous coagulation factor Xa activity. The
Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score and inclined board test were used to evaluate the recovery of motor function. Results: Compared with the model group, the G1, G2, and G3 groups showed an increase in BF-TEMG
and RF-TEM; decrease in production of endogenous/exogenous coagulation factor Xa and thrombin; prolonged
CT and BT; increased pain threshold in 3 indexes including light touch and light pressure on the skin in the lower
portion of the injured trunk and light pressure on the right forepaw; reduction in scratching, licking and biting the
area below the plane of injury, appearance of autophagy on the tail and hind limbs, and spontaneous hissing; and
increased BBB score and inclined plate slope (P<0.05). Furthermore, the G1 group showed a greater difference in
each of the above measurements compared to the G2 and G3 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Low, medium, and
high frequency electroacupuncture can promote the reconstruction of motor function in rats with iSCI, but the effect of low frequency Du meridian electroacupuncture is superior to that of medium and high frequencies.
Key words
Du meridian electroacupuncture
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A Comparative Study of Du Meridian Electroacupuncture with Different Frequencies in Pro?
moting Reconstruction of Motor Function in Rats with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury[J]. Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction. 2021, 16(4): 191-194
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